Category: Bangkok

This time last year I was back in London, newly wed and having major holiday blues. And why? Because I had just returned from two weeks travelling a country that gave me so much in return. Thailand awakened my senses; the smells, the sights, the sounds and the lights. And so, for the next few days, I will be taking you on a journey through Thailand. I hope you will enjoy the adventure through my eyes.

Enjoying the city lights from Vertigo & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel…About to enjoy a hangover martini at the Sky Bar, Lebua State Tower

First stop Bangkok!! Feeling half sleepy and half ecstatic to a) finally be off the plane and b) Argh, I’m in THAILAND…we stumbled into a cab and set off on our way to the first of many destinations. And so the story goes a little somethin’ like this – Bangkok had me..but not before avoiding two near death experiences. The car swayed to the side, the brakes came on and the car went skidding to a halt. Sagar and I were thrown out of our seats and woken from our jet lagged nap with our jaws dropped open. Picture this – the truck in front of us was carrying milk and SOMEHOW the milk cartons started falling out and onto the highway. (The crazy busy kinda highway with cars travelling at least 60mph! :o) The driver of the truck slowed down as the passenger gets out 😮 and tries to collect the milk cartons and in the meantime, our driver almost kills us (but aww he would’ve saved the crazy milkman I guess! )

Well, I promise you, Bangkok’s not all that bad.. Haha 🙂 In fact, it grew on me. And very quickly!

Time out on the rooftop at Chatrium Hotel on the riverside.

Within our short but sweet three days spent gallivanting the temples, eating our way through the local food shacks and sipping on cocktails up in the clouds overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city below, I realised how much I loved this place. Asia’s city that never sleeps!! I sat on our hotel balcony and watched the twinkling little lights below – the market vendors, the taxi drivers, the flashing lights.. but they never stopped! Drinking a few too many Singha beers, I remained there until around 3am, taking in the smells and the sounds and finally the city began to wind down…but not for long! By 6am the sun was awake in all its glory and the street vendors and taxis were back to buzzing around the city. Bangkok is not for the faint hearted I must admit. The streets are jam packed, as are the endless miles of luxury malls and the night markets. In the same sense, this is what I take away with me; the sense of adventure, excitement and a thirst for the unknown in this never ending melting pot.

A day in Bangkok:

Explore the Grand Palace. Your trip to Bangkok will truly be incomplete if you do not see this incredible sight. Here you will be presented with a huge complex of incredibly impressive buildings which contain very famous temples such as the Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha is just a ten minute walk away. Just be sure to cover your shoulders and whatever you do, do not wear shorts OR you will be asked to wear a very pretty *ahem* fluorescent green robe (Don’t learn the hard way as I did guys!! *facepalm*) You can easily spend half a day exploring this wonder and so book yourself in for a massage straight after. Bangkok has the best massage salons and they are absolute cheap as chips! My favourite experience was the traditional thai massage at Nemita Spa as part of the beautiful Chatrium Hotel Riverside.

Prayers at The Golden Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.Hangin’ out with the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Grand Palace. This is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. The statue representing Buddha lying down is a major icon of Buddhism. Definitely one not to be missed. Absolutely stunning and quite surreal!The Reclining Buddha

2. Head over to Asiatique The Riverfront for a stroll along the riverfront with a cool beer, some night bazaar shopping and of course the incredible variety of restaurants. You may even find some live music at the local bars. It really reminded me of London’s Southbank; a super relaxed way to wind down from a busy day soaking in the history and culture at the Grand Palace.

3. One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok – enjoying the sky views from one of their many luxurious rooftop bars with a cocktail or two. The perfect way to end a perfect day.

Sipping on a cocktail (with a popsicle) at Sirocco SkyBar at the Lebua State Tower. You may remember this place from The Hangover II? Well, it is just as cool in real life!

On My Thailand Travel Diary tomorrow; travel with me to Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai where I will be cooking up a storm!